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TIBC measures how well protein binds to iron and is used to measure iron levels in the body. Abnormal results can be caused by anemia, liver disease, sickle cell disease, malnutrition, inflammation, and medication. The test is simple and involves taking a blood sample after an eight-hour fast. Risks are rare.
TIBC stands for total iron binding capacity. While it’s not the only test performed, it is used to measure iron levels in the body. It is ordered if iron deficiency is possible or iron overload may occur. The procedure is considered a simple laboratory test. It is done by taking a blood sample from a vein and having it analyzed in a laboratory.
It is important to understand that the total iron binding capacity is not the iron concentration in the blood. This measurement is obtained from a serum iron test. In the blood, iron is transported by the protein transferrin. TIBC measures how well protein binds to iron. Usually both the serum iron test and the total iron binding capacity test are ordered to have an accurate measurement of iron levels.
A normal binding capacity for total iron is 240-450 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). If your blood iron levels are lower than normal, your TIBC will be higher than normal. If the amount of iron in the blood is higher than normal, the TIBC is lower than normal.
There are several causes of abnormal results. Elevated TIBC and low iron levels are usually caused by anemia. If a patient has symptoms of anemia, such as weakness, headache, and fatigue, a TIBC is usually prescribed. Iron in the body may also decrease during late pregnancy and testing may be recommended. Higher-than-normal iron levels that cause low TIBC can be caused by medical conditions, such as liver disease, sickle cell disease, and malnutrition.
Results may not always be accurate with just a test of total iron binding capacity. Inflammation in the body can lead to lower than normal results. Some medications, such as birth control pills, can also interfere with results. In some cases, the results may even be normal even when abnormal conditions are present, such as in iron poisoning.
The only special preparation before a total iron binding capacity test is to refrain from eating or drinking anything for eight hours before the test. The test is performed in a similar way to other blood draws. A needle is inserted into the vein, obtaining a small amount of blood.
There are very few risks to the procedure. As with other blood draws, complications are rare. Very rarely, an infection can develop at the sting site or too much blood can pool, causing swelling.
